Slash Community College Costs By 10% In 5 Frugal Ways

As if community college transfer students didn't have enough financial concerns to deal with between tuition, fees, student loans, books, and other community college costs, the prospect of driving to and from school each day could push an already strained budget into no-man's-land.

Having a car is definitely convenient, especially with class schedules changing each semester, but the high cost of a car loan, registration, insurance, parking, and fuel may simply be too much for the average student to handle.

So what are you to do if you need to get to class while cutting costs?

Here are just a few options that won't require you to waste as much moola on personal transportation.

Inexpensive Transportation Options for Going To Community College

Walking/biking

The cheapest way to get yourself around is by the courtesy of your own two feet (just like Fred Flintstone).

If you happen to live within a couple of miles of campus, consider putting your car on non-op status to save some money and then create your own locomotion by walking or riding your bike to and from school.

If you happen to live at home you might even get someone else in your household to give you rides (pitching in for gas won't cost you nearly as much as operating your own vehicle).

And if your parents balk at driving you to school, remind them of how fiscally responsible you're being.

Public transportation

This may not be the least expensive option for getting around, but it's pretty darn close, especially if you have a ways to go.

You can save some money by purchasing monthly or even annual passes that give you unlimited access to buses and trains in your area.

But before you do so, see if they offer student rates or if your community college has some kind of special arrangement with the local DOT.

You could end up paying even less than you expect.

Telecommuting

Many students these days are finding ways to get their general education out of the way with online classes.

While you might not be able to complete all of your community college classes from the comfort of your own home, it's possible that with careful planning you could manage one or two semesters with no campus visits necessary.

Carpooling

For students that live far from campus or deal with inclement weather on a regular basis, driving may be a necessary part of the college experience.

While this is an unfortunate cost, it doesn't have to be a total loss.

By setting up a carpool with students in your classes you may be able to cut your own driving time as well as the cost of transportation.

It might take some finagling to work out the kinks, but it could definitely save you some dough.

Motorcycle

There are a couple of reasons why this could be a better option than a car. For one thing, it is less expensive on every front.

When you start seeking motorcycles for sale you'll see that they can be had for far less than cars, and you'll also pay less for registration, gas, and so on.

But another perk, if you live in heavy traffic areas, is the ability to split lanes and get through gridlock.

Plus, you'll have a much easier time parking on campus (no spot is too small!).

You just have to weigh the risks against the advantages.